President Emmanuel Macron has appointed a new right-leaning government in France, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This move comes eleven weeks after the left-wing camp's victory in the parliamentary elections, where they secured the most seats but failed to gain a majority. The newly formed government includes several conservative ministers, with Jean-Noël Barrot as the new Foreign Minister and Antoine Armand as the new Economics Minister. Despite the inclusion of centrists and conservatives, the only left-wing representative in the cabinet is Justice Minister Didier Migaud.
The formation of the government has been challenging due to the fragmented nature of the National Assembly, which is divided into three antagonistic blocs. This has resulted in a prolonged negotiation period and has left the government under immediate pressure. Critics from both the left and far-right have labeled the new administration as a 'government of losers' and question its legitimacy. The government's first major test will be presenting the budget for 2025 while facing possible no-confidence votes.
Macron's attempt to bridge the gap between right and left has faced significant obstacles. The right-wing National Rally (RN) has gained momentum, driven by global crises and internal discontent. The political landscape remains volatile, with Macron's room for maneuvering limited due to his inability to run for another term in 2027. As Barnier prepares to deliver his policy statement on October 1st, the new government must navigate through a politically charged environment, aiming to address issues like immigration and internal security amidst widespread opposition.
